Technology is indeed, changing the way the whole world operates. Almost every industry isn’t spared by the positive effects of technology. One of these is transportation.
Technology has significantly restructured the way that transportation operates. Not only are trains getting faster, cars having more features, but even simple things like commuting and booking rides has become more efficient. When used correctly, technology can be that force to help improve comfort, loosen congestion, and make commuting easier for the general public.
That said, as technology continues to improve, there’ll also be a continuous flow of new transportation to expect this year, moving forward, such as:
1. Microtransit
Microtransit is considered the next big thing in the transportation industry. It’s a completely new mode of ride-sharing and on-demand mobility services, whereby there’s more variety as to its forms, how it operates, and the different forms of partnerships that enable these services.
Passengers can generate rides from an app, through dynamically generated routes, specifying common pick-up and drop-off points.
The great thing about the microtransit solution is that it isn’t limited only to cars or sedans, per se. It can power almost any form of vehicle, from the usual sedans used in other ride-sharing mediums and even buses. These services can also be fully operational, be it in small or big cities alike.
How exactly is microtransit beneficial?
- It can bring you right from your very first point to the last point of your distance, to make commuting to and from work or your destination easier and more connected. With microtransit, you’re connected to a bus or train, and on your stop off, you’re also connected with any other form of transportation that can take you to your final destination.
- It provides more accessibility particularly for senior commuters or those who have physical impairments.
2. More Lightweight Vehicles
Vehicles are getting more lightweight, and there’s a good reason for this. Reducing the weight of a vehicle can also improve its fuel efficiency. Therefore, vehicle manufacturers are scrambling to get this right and meet the needs of consumers.
Typically, what’s done is to replace the iron and steel with other materials such as carbon fiber construction and magnesium-aluminum alloy.
That said, here are other benefits that can be enjoyed by driving lightweight vehicles:
- When the body of the car itself is lightweight, this would also mean that making the other areas lighter will be easier.
- It can result in safer cars, as lightweight materials can improve the handling of the car, particularly during difficult weather conditions.
3. Maglev Trains
Maglev trains are also referred to as magnetic levitation. This refers to the trains that hover around 4 inches above their tracks. These are set in motion by electrically charged magnets. The main purpose of utilizing this magnetic technology to power trains is to make the trains travel even faster.
These trains have been operating in China and Germany, and hopefully will become a more common mode of transportation in more countries in the future.
Those who’ve tried being in these speedy 375-mph maglev trains claim that the ride feels stable, smooth, and more comfortable.
4. Delivery Drones
With the pandemic that’s still hitting the world as of writing, so many shoppers still choose to complete their purchases online. Hence, the increasing demand and sales are completed at big e-commerce retailers like Amazon.
Delivery drones are a technological challenge, but companies in this sector are working to make this a reality.
That way, delivering smaller parcels across an achievable distance is made faster. Plus, should the pandemic still not slow down, that’s also one less person to meet. The parcel is delivered contactless, door-to-door.
5. Hyperloop Transportation System
A hyperloop transportation system is one developed by the founder of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk.
This kind of transportation system essentially includes transportation pods that carry people or parcels at high speeds, running through a pressurized track.
Each hyperloop runs at an average speed of 600mph, and there are high hopes to launch its very first passenger system in 2021.
6. Bicycle Sharing System
For commuters who don’t like to bump into crowds at train or bus stations, a bicycle sharing system is another good alternative.
In this system, a user can rent a bicycle from one point, and drop it off at another point in their destination. Bicycle sharing is a very good way to reduce traffic and pollution. Plus, it’s also a great way to give commuters good exercise.
Just be sure to bring your own alcohol, so you can spray it first and give it a good wipe down before riding.
Conclusion
For a place to experience economic growth to its fullest potential, improvements in transportation and infrastructure are essential. Certainly, the general workforce and public can’t just live by the never-ending queue and crowds for their daily commute. Especially for this year, and perhaps still the coming years to come, physical distancing measures are still necessary. So, these changes and trends are more than just something nice to have. It’s safe to say that they’re needed.